POLICE UNION SOUGHT

MANALAPAN -- The Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association Inc. has filed a petition to unionize the town's six patrol officers.

The action became public following allegations of wrongdoings by the town's police chief that surfaced this week.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office determined that Ralph Meadows, the town's public safety director, may have used his position to receive favors. The Sheriff's Office recommended further investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

However, town officials said they will not take any action against Meadows.

Ernie George, police association president, said that the union effort had nothing to do with the investigation.

"We always go after cities that don't have a bargaining unit," George said. "We're in the busines of representing police officers and to see that they get a fair representation from the cities."